‘Children not numbers’
Dear Editor:
I am writing as a concerned parent regarding a situation affecting childcare in our community.
Families at the St. Patrick Early Learning Center (SPELC) daycare in Guelph were informed on March 11, that the Eramosa Learning Academy (ELA) will stop operating the daycare as of Aug. 31.
According to the letter sent to families, the decision was influenced in part by a requirement from the County of Wellington that all 64 licensed childcare spaces be filled by March 15 in order to maintain uninterrupted Canada-Wide Early Learning and Child Care (CWELCC) funding. It is worth noting that SPELC is a new daycare facility that first opened in late December 2024 to infants, toddlers and preschoolers.
From what was communicated to families, the daycare was working towards filling the licensed childcare spaces, but has faced issues with staffing (as many daycares have in recent years due to funding and systemic challenges), preventing them from rapidly increasing the number of children enrolled. Further SPELC was also intentionally pacing new enrolments to ensure children (many of whom are very young and spending their first days away from their primary caregivers) could transition into daycare with the attention and support they need.
The county’s decision to withdraw funding is very surprising and quite frankly disappointing. There is a significant demand for childcare in our community, and this action directly contradicts the needs of local families.
While the county’s goal of maximizing access to funded childcare spaces is understandable, access must be balanced with the realities of operating quality programs.
Currently, it remains unclear whether the daycare will continue operating, leaving enrolled families uncertain about their continued access to childcare in a community where securing a spot is already extremely difficult. Additionally, with the withdrawal of funding, it is unknown how much childcare costs may increase for enrolled families, creating further concern for families who rely on services or cannot afford private alternatives.
While the county has stated it does not expect any disruptions in care, the current decision has already created instability for both families and educators at SPELC.
On a personal note, my son started daycare at SPELC just three days before receiving this unexpected news. Starting daycare is already a big adjustment for a young child and their family, and we had hoped he would have the stability to gradually build bonds with the staff and settle into the environment. Instead, we begin an already stressful process feeling uncertain of what the future holds.
Decisions that destabilize childcare programs have real consequences for the children, families, and educators who depend on them.
I respectfully ask that the county consider how policies focused primarily on enrollment targets may unintentionally create instability for both families and childcare providers, and how future decisions can better balance access with the stability and quality that young children require.
Our children are not numbers.
Mary Ritchie,
Rockwood